The Feria de la Manzanilla Sanlúcar de Barrameda is the city's own week-long celebration, held each year between late May and mid-June. It takes over the fairground on the Paseo de la Calzada beside the Guadalquivir, where casetas, carnival rides and horse-drawn carriages fill the streets from the lighting ceremony until the final fireworks.
Unlike Seville's private casetas, Sanlúcar's tents are almost all open to the public, so you can walk in, order a rebujito at the bar and soak up the atmosphere without an invitation. The fair is named after the local manzanilla wine, a pale dry sherry that can only be produced here, giving the event a distinctly local flavour.
This guide explains how the annual dates are set, what the official tourism calendar shows for 2026 and 2027, and what you can expect from the alumbrado, the casetas and the famous horse races. Whether you're planning a first visit or returning, you'll find practical tips for making the most of the fair and navigating local holiday closures.
When is the Feria de la Manzanilla? Understanding the Date Pattern
The fair's exact dates shift each year because they are tied to two religious festivals: the Romería del Rocío and Corpus Christi. As a general pattern, if the Romería is early, the fair tends to fall in late May, while a later Romería usually pushes it to the first or second week of June.
The main day of the fair typically coincides with or follows Corpus Christi, and the event itself runs for about five to seven days, starting on a Tuesday or Wednesday and ending the following Sunday. Because the dates depend on the liturgical calendar, they do not repeat each year, so it is important to check official sources once the programme is published.
For planning purposes, the Sanlúcar tourism office publishes an annual calendar of events, and the 2026 edition confirms the fair from 2nd to 7th June. The preview for 2027 shows dates of 25th to 30th May, but always confirm closer to the time via the official tourism website.
2026 and 2027 Confirmed Dates
Sanlúcar's official tourism calendar confirms the Feria de la Manzanilla for 2nd–7th June 2026, with a preview for the following year showing 25th–30th May 2027. These dates come from the city's tourism department, so they are the most reliable reference when they are published.
Because the fair's dates shift every year, do not assume that these dates will repeat. Once you have chosen a year, verify the dates on the official site or with the tourist office, especially if you are booking flights or accommodation well in advance.
If you are considering a trip, note that the fair attracts large crowds, and local accommodation sells out quickly. It is wise to start planning as soon as dates are announced, often months ahead.
How the Fair Unfolds: Day-by-Day Overview
The fair runs from Tuesday or Wednesday evening through Sunday night, with each day offering a different rhythm. The opening evening is marked by the lighting of the portada, the fair's monumental entrance, after which the casetas fill with dancers and drinkers.
Mornings are often quieter, with the traditional carriage and horse parade winding through the streets to the fairground. Afternoons pick up as families arrive, and evenings continue with dancing to sevillanas until late.
On the Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the focus shifts to the beach at Bajo de Guía and Las Piletas, where the famous horse races take place at low tide. The fair then ends on Sunday night with a fireworks display, closing a busy week.
The Alumbrado: Lighting Ceremony Kicks Off the Fair
The alumbrado, or lighting ceremony, is the official inauguration of the fair, usually held on the first evening, whether that is a Tuesday or Wednesday according to the year's calendar. The moment the lights on the portada are switched on marks the start of festivities, and locals and visitors alike gather to watch.
An anecdotal local custom holds that you should enter the fairground by hopping on your right foot through the portada, with your left foot raised, to bring good luck. This is a personal tradition rather than an officially documented rule, but you may see regulars doing it.
After the lighting, the casetas and the fairground rides, known as cacharritos, come to life. The fair continues until Sunday night, with the lighting ceremony setting the tone for the days ahead.
Casetas: Public Tents, Food, and Rebujitos
Sanlúcar's casetas are the heart of the fair, and unlike some other Andalusian fairs, almost all are open to the public. You can simply walk into any caseta, order at the bar, and enjoy the atmosphere without an invitation, although a few private association tents may require membership.
Inside the casetas, you will find traditional music, dancing and food, with manzanilla wine and rebujitos — a mix of manzanilla and lemon soda — being the drinks of choice. Shared pitchers are common, and you can also order plates of fried fish, prawns and other local specialities.
While the casetas are lively at night, many families visit in the early afternoon when it is less crowded. Note that opening hours vary, and some casetas may close during the hottest part of the day.
If you want to try a range of wines, several bodegas run their own casetas, but you can also explore the fair's food stalls for snacks between drinks. For more on the fair's cultural context, see the Feria de la Manzanilla in Sanlúcar de Barrameda guide.
Horse Races on the Beach and Carriage Parades
One of the most distinctive features of Sanlúcar's fair is the horse races that take place on the beach at Bajo de Guía and Las Piletas, usually on Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons at low tide. Spectators line the sand as jockeys race their horses along the firm wet sand, a tradition that has been declared of International Tourist Interest.
In addition to the races, mornings feature a colourful parade of women in flamenco dresses riding horses and ornate carriages making their way from the town centre to the fairground. This procession is a favourite subject for photographers and a great way to see the traditional dress close up.
The fair also offers carnival rides for children and adults in the area known as the Calle del Infierno. As with any fair, it is worth checking with the local tourism office for the exact race days and times, as they depend on the tide and the year's calendar.
Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors
Getting to Sanlúcar is straightforward by road from major Andalusian cities, but note that parking near the fairground is limited and the old town is typically closed to traffic during the fair. Free parking is available at the Puerto de Bonanza and the industrial estates, from where you can walk or take a shuttle.
If you plan to stay overnight, book accommodation early, as the fair fills up quickly. It is also wise to reserve a table at a restaurant outside the casetas if you want a formal meal, though many visitors prefer to eat inside the tents.
Bring essentials such as sun protection, a hat and a fan, as the June sun can be intense. Cash is useful because some smaller casetas do not accept card payments, and remember to pace yourself with water between drinks.
Public buses connect the centre and the fairground during the event, but be prepared for crowds and possible delays. Check the local transport information on the tourism office's website for the most current details.
Plan Around the Fair: Local Holidays and Closures
During the fair, many local shops, restaurants and bars close for the week or reduce their hours, especially over the weekend. While large supermarkets such as Mercadona often remain open, it is best to check with individual businesses if you need specific services.
The Monday immediately after the fair is known as 'lunes de resaca' (Hangover Monday) and is a local holiday in Sanlúcar. Expect almost everything to be closed that day, including many restaurants, so plan meals and supplies in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Feria de la Manzanilla in Sanlúcar? The fair takes place annually between late May and mid-June, with exact dates varying each year based on the Romería del Rocío and Corpus Christi.
How are the dates for the Feria de la Manzanilla determined? They are set around the religious calendar, specifically the Romería del Rocío and Corpus Christi, so they shift from year to year. The Sanlúcar tourism office publishes confirmed dates in its annual calendar.
What is the alumbrado at the Feria de la Manzanilla? It is the lighting ceremony that officially opens the fair, usually held on the first evening, when the lights of the portada are switched on.
Are the casetas open to the public? Yes, almost all casetas in Sanlúcar are open to everyone, although a few private ones may require an invitation.
What are the horse races on the beach? They are traditional races held on the beach at Bajo de Guía and Las Piletas during the fair, usually on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at low tide.
Plan Your Visit
Attending the Feria de la Manzanilla is a memorable way to experience Andalusian culture, with its public casetas, unique beach races and the local manzanilla wine. The key is to check the official dates each year, as they shift depending on the religious calendar.
Booking accommodation early, packing for the heat and planning around the Monday holiday afterwards will help you enjoy the fair without stress. For further inspiration on Spanish festivities, explore our guide to festivals in Spain.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Feria de la Manzanilla in Sanlúcar?
The fair takes place annually between late May and mid-June. Exact dates vary each year, so it's best to check the official tourism calendar.
How are the dates for the Feria de la Manzanilla determined?
Dates are tied to the Romería del Rocío and Corpus Christi, which shift each year. The Sanlúcar tourism office publishes confirmed dates.
What is the alumbrado?
The alumbrado is the lighting ceremony that marks the start of the fair, usually on the first evening, with the switching on of the portada lights.
Are the casetas open to the public?
Yes, almost all casetas are open to everyone, unlike Seville's private tents. You can walk in and order at the bar.
What are the horse races on the beach?
They are traditional races held on the beaches of Bajo de Guía and Las Piletas during the fair, usually on Thursday to Saturday at low tide.
